After a significant increase in police violence, several activists in Anchorage are focused on increasing oversight of the police department.
Anchorage has been rocked by a surge of police violence, with eight officer-involved shootings this summer alone, five of them fatal. In response to this unprecedented spike, residents are demanding greater transparency and accountability from law enforcement. Local advocates and activists, including the Party for Socialism and Liberation-Anchorage and the Alaska Black Caucus, are pushing for the creation of an independent Civilian Oversight Review Board (CORB) to monitor police actions.
Rich Curtner, a former Federal Public Defender and volunteer with the Alaska Black Caucus, explained that this effort is part of a year-long advocacy process led by ABC and other organizations. Their first step was securing body cameras for police officers. “Now that they are there, we can see these events,” Curtner said. “Before, you could read a report, but seeing what really happens has a real impact on the community.”
The creation of a CORB is viewed as the logical next step. These boards exist in various forms across the country, tailored to fit the specific needs and structures of local law enforcement. “It can be anything from an office with an inspector general who works independently to boards with subpoena power to conduct investigations,” Curtner noted. However, he emphasized that the process must start with community involvement: “We will have community meetings to hear people’s perspectives. It all starts with the community so that we can figure out the oversight we need for the city.”
Michael Patterson, another advocate and community organizer, underscored the urgency of establishing independent oversight. Recalling a personal experience with the Anchorage Police Department at age 15, Patterson described a harrowing moment when an officer pointed a gun at him during a routine stop. “I have never trusted the police,” he admitted. For Patterson, the only solution is for Anchorage’s diverse communities to unite and push the government to adopt meaningful reforms. “There needs to be a public and open conversation within the community and with the government about what kind of review board Anchorage needs,” he argued, stressing that the board must have real investigative authority, including subpoena power.
Both Curtner and Patterson see the current political climate in Anchorage as an opportunity for change. With a new administration in place, Curtner is optimistic: “The chief of police has been transparent and willing to work with the community. With the new administration, it’s a new day for accountability.” Patterson, however, is less hopeful: “The municipal government is totally incapable of dealing with this issue. Elected officials are more concerned about securing a political endorsement from the police union than addressing an out-of-control APD.” Despite his frustration, Patterson finds hope in seeing different community members mobilize for action. Stay tuned for more information about upcoming meetings and ways to get involved in this process.